Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-01-28

ranks of the army, were nevertheless en-
listed in the same great cause, and whose
ceaseless labors, unwavering faith and
persistent devotion, were among the most
potent factors in securing the triumph of
our cause
In speaking of the soldiers home he
says: AT the session of the Legislature in
1894, the sum of $4,000 was appropriated
for the establishment OF soldiers home
in this State, and this amount was supple
mented at its last session, by an appropii-
alton of $4,000 additional. The trustees
are actively engaged in the fulfilment of
their trust. | heartily congratulate YOU
that Vermont, by this action, takes her
place by the side of her sister States, in at
least u partial fultilment of the pledges
that they who gave of the strength of
their manhood for the salvation of the re.
public should not, in their old age, be left
dependent upon the tickle charity of the
world
After referring to the national encamp-
ment the commander says: The neCes.
sity for the earnest cultivation of the
principles of fraternity cannot be too
strongly urged upon the comrades. The
importance of careful promotion of the
social element at the meetings of the
posts, and as far as practicable, the oc
casional visit from one post to another, Is
also strongly urged.
In June the headquarters of BiXby Post
No 93, at South Royalton, was totally de
stroyed by fire, and not only the records
and appointments, rs well as the post
fund, lost, but nearly all of the comrades
suffered severe personal loss. With the
consent Of the council of administration,
IA supply of rituals, blanks, etc, were fur
nlshed, and the amount of their post tuAd
was reimbursed from the department
treasury.
During the year many comrades have
been called to the ranks of the Silent
majority" and are resting from their
labors. Among the names of those whose
services helped to made the record of the
Vermont soldiers conspicuous by daring
courage and stern fidelity to duty, none
was more widely known and honored than
that of Comrade George j. Stannard.
Among the earliest to answer to the call
of his country, his bravery and ability
readily commanded the exalted position
which he attained as 4 soldier, and his
distinguished services won imperishable
fame for his State and honor for himself.
l nder this head the commander also paid
eloquent tribute to Gen. Hancock and to
Chaplain Earnshaw.
In closing the commander said We
must not be unmindful of the fact that
from the very nature of our organization
its existence is limited. For us there can
be no reinforcementS. Year by year the
number of the graves upon our hillsides
and i'll our valleys, that demand the low
ing service of our Memorial day. increases
while the ranks of those to whom this
service is committed are growing smaller.
Many of the hearts that endured with lof.
~ courage and earnest faith the hardship5
and the sorrows of the conflict are long
since weary. Eyes are dim and uS-
treless that once looked fearlessly
on frOwnng battlements or bristling steel
voices are mute and motioness forever
that rang out in stern command above the
turmoil and roar of cannon.
BE 1t ours, my comrades, to emphasize
the duties that yet remain, and as they
pass through the valley and the shadow,
10 tenderly bear them to their resting
places, and holding them in reverent trust,
send down the passing years, in afiluent
speech and in eXultant song, the story of
their herolsm and tkeir trlumphs.
The assistant adJutant generals report
shows 80 posts in good standing, with a
total membership of 1903 comrades at the
end OF the fourth quarter, an increase
during he year Of six posts and 4S7 com.
rades. Charters have been issued to the
following posts during the present admin
istration
Orville Bixby, No 90, South Royalton ;
William II, Boynton, No. 81. Northfied
Charles Hale, No 95, Montgomery Cen
ire; George w. Quimby, No. IS, Barton
y. ; Grant. No 96, West Randolph
Henry +. Giddlngs, No. 81, Felchville
Henry II. Freeman, No. IS, Brook field
George II. Mead, No. ~, Barton Landing
Henry Carnenter, No. 100 Waterville
The report of Quartermast err General
Greenleaf shows recelnts amounting to
1863, with expenses S2404 49, leaving a
balance on hand OF s94l.44
Chaplain Bushnell's report says among
other things The interest manifested in
the religious services of last Memorial
nt Iii .;,,
liar occasion since the organization OF the
order OF the Grand Army of the Republic
III this department.
The report of Lucy j. Gibson, depart
ment president OF the Womens Relief
Corps, shows "A total membership of 1901
the increase in 1856 over 1855 being 422
The receipts Of the relief fund have beer
| slS2l21 and It's disbursements $447 leav
| ing Sl3Ii O6 on hand
The afternoon and evening trains con
veyed additional delegates to the encamp
ment and the number of delegates ag. re
gated some 30. The banquet occurred
| Thursday night at the Weldon house
music being furnished by the Owl gle,
club and Ba er's orchestra.
| COMMANDER Chllds presided at the ban
! quet, and after he viands had been dis
ctlssed he introduced eX-Gov Smith, whC
in turn presented Commander-iu- Cine
! FalrchlldS of the National Grand Army
| There followed until late hosr IA season
Of trternal merrimeut, with humorous
speeches and appropriate music. Amons
those present were Judge Advocate Gen
eral ot the National q. A r., State Au
dltor Powell, Gen w. l.. Greenleal
q. Nj. Gen, Gilmore and Others prominen
in military and civic life
THE CLOSING PROCEEDINGS At ST
BANS FRIDAY